987.2 Tail Light Housing Repair?

I somewhat recently purchased a 2010 cayman base, and one of the things I’d like to repair on it is the rear tail light. The lens is a little crazed/micro cracked, and the silvering on the reflector has started to peel up. I’ve read a couple conflicting reports about use of disassembling, from the standard oven trick, to it being plastic welded shut as a unit and needs to be cut open. There isn’t much I could find out there on how to fix this, so I was hoping some of you fine and smart people had some knowledge to share. Thanks!

There are tailight lenses availabel to purchase on some of the chinese sites. I have no clue about the quality or fit and thats whats keeping me from buying them. Also not sure of whats involved with dissassembly. So i'll be keeping an eye on the thread. Tempted to just replace with the 718 style ones...

Yeah, I’ve seen those lens covers, too (which cost more than the entire lamp assembly on my Audi A3!), and are kind of the reason for the question. The 718 ones are definitely an option, but I’ve determined I’m pretty strongly in favor of the stock look. These tail lamps are the first place where I’m really feeling the Porsche tax because as an engineer, I know there is nothing magical about them. The 3-4x premium kind of blows my mind, and even more so the people selling busted ones on eBay for hundreds of dollars. 🤯 Anyway, thanks for the reply

Some is a Porsche Tax, but a significant part is production volume.

For people thinking about doing a lens replacement - I'd suggest visiting a body shop that's Porsche approved, and slipping the guy $25 for the next one he removes from a 987 for minor damage. Learn how to take it apart on one you don't mind destroying... That's what I'd do...

To dovetail onto Don’s post I’d shop for used replacements from inevitable wrecks. That is one of those repairs that is incredibly labor intensive and unlikely to yield flawless results without specialized equipment and repetitive experiences.

Fortunately, my lights still work, so like you suggested I’m just keeping an eye out for a good used one at a reasonable price. sounds like repairing the light is a bit of uncharted waters.

I was in the same situation. I am keeping mine going for now, but I did replace the turn signal bulb with LED to help brighten it up. While I was there, I looked around to see if there was an "easy" way to get into there from the back - there wasn't from what I could tell. They do come out of the car easily, but they appear to be glued together otherwise. I was planning on using a 981 -style tail light assembly, but apparently people want the 781 style instead... not me. I read good things about the Chinese replicants, so that's one way to go for sure. From what I heard, you have to take it apart with the oven trick, or something. But people haven't been as forthcoming for the tail-lights as much as for the head lights... but I am certainly going to keep an eye out on this thread as well.

mine look just like one pictured, I know they don't look like they did new but does it create any functionality problems.

i dont know what Porsche did to their lights suppliers in the 987.2 but the rears absolutely age faster than the rest of the car.....but get a new pair and watch the car look refreshed! I have yet to see rear lens replacements - only front. before going with the 718 / 981 style replacements, please do have a look at some of the videos/pics. from what I've seen they aren't as bright as the originals and might be too dark depending on your driving conditions.

I do so much driving on the track I probably will not get too concerned about it, I drive it on the street mostly to pca events.

Have you tried searching ‘Dismantlers‘ for used parts? I’ve had good luck in the past when needing parts that are waaay too expensive new.

I feel like its a age problem, my car has always been garaged with only 65,000 miles, I think I would have the same issue with a used one, the car is almost 15 years old.

I think I have a lead on something that is reasonable, But if it falls through, I’m going to leave it alone for a while as it really isn’t negatively affecting anything… If it does pan out, I get a set that’s a little better than what I have and I get to experiment with on taking apart/repairing.